SC Gov. Nikki Haley Cleared of Illegal Lobbying

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley was cleared Wednesday by a state House panel of allegations that she illegally lobbied while she was a state legislator.

The House Ethics Committee voted 5-1 to absolve the first-term Republican governor of allegations that she lobbied on behalf of the two employers when she was a member of the House. The companies were Wilbur Smith, an engineering firm that has done work for the state, and the Lexington Medical Center Foundation, The State newspaper said.

“We found no evidence that she lobbied,” said committee Chairman Roland Smith.

Haley’s office praised the committee’s decision.

“We commend the House for doing the job seriously and professionally,” said Haley spokesman Rob Godfrey, according to The State. “Once again, we’ve seen another in a long line of made-up nonsense claims against Governor Haley found to be meritless.”